As 2018 comes to an end we cannot help but look back on what a year it has been. For starters, we unveiled our revitalized and refreshed courtyard and could not be happier with the fresh new look. And if that was not exciting enough we welcomed a fantastic group of new merchants including the following:

• Blair Estate Wines
• The Dog House
• LaLa Blues
• O ‘My Sole
• Roller Rabbit 
• Seaside Yoga Sanctuary
• Yeast of Eden

Be sure to stay tuned because there are even more opening in 2019!

Thank you, to everyone who visited us in 2018. Whether it was for shopping, dining or maybe it was the Summer Live Music Series; whatever it was that brought you to Carmel Plaza in 2018 we thank you and we look forward to seeing you again in the New Year!

Cheers and we will see you at the Plaza in 2019!

The countdown to Christmas has officially begun which means your shopping days are limited. To make things easier on you head to Carmel Plaza to check everyone off your list in one visit. We have gifts for Her, Him, Them, Kids, Pets you name it.

Below are 12 holiday gift ideas your family and friends would love to find under the Christmas Tree this year.

1) Tom Ford Orchid Soleil Eau de Parfum from Cos Bar

2) This “Twisted Cashmere Quarter Zip” Sweater by Peter Millar available at Madrigal

3) A one-of-a-kind ornament from Beachwood Home

4) A fashionable new jacket or tie from Khakis of Carmel

5) A stylish pair of shoes from Cole Haan

6) Don’t forget the furry family members and be sure to visit The Dog House

7) A beautiful purse from Bottega Veneta

8) Something sparkly from Impressions Fine & Fashion Jewelry

9) A chic leather jacket for Him or Her from Parts Unknown

10) The Addison Ross Candle in the scent Isabella from Yves Delorme, Paris

11) Don’t know what they want? Gift them with a Carmel Plaza Gift Card that they can use at any of our stores, restaurants or tasting rooms. Our gift cards are available for purchase inside of Khakis Men Clothing.

 

We hope to see you at Carmel Plaza soon.

Happy Holidays!

Cheers! It is officially Holiday Party Season. Whether you are hosting friends to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, having the family over for Christmas or attending a party at someone else’s home, a visit to Carmel Plaza is a must to help you prepare.

Below are three key things to consider when you are hosting or attending a holiday party this month.

 1. Festive Home Décor 

These ornaments are available at Beachwood Home; located on the 2nd level of Carmel Plaza

These glass trees are available at Beachwood Home; located on the 2nd level of Carmel Plaza

Everything from the tablescape to the scents people will observe when they walk through your door falls into this category; and let’s not forget the centerpiece of everyone’s home this time of year… the Tree! A visit to Sur La Table, Beachwood Home and Anthropologie will help you achieve a picture-perfect, festive and unforgettable ambiance for your family and guests.

These NEST candles are available at Beachwood Home; located on the 2nd level of Carmel Plaza

These dish sets are available at Sur La Table; located in the courtyard of Carmel Plaza

This holiday fragrance is available at Sur La Table; located in the courtyard of Carmel Plaza

This table setting is available at Sur La Table; located in the courtyard of Carmel Plaza

2. Tasty Food & Wine

Visit The Cheese Shop in the courtyard of Carmel Plaza

Visit three local tasting rooms in Carmel Plaza’s courtyard: Blair Wines, Hahn Family Wines and Wrath Wines

Skip the grocery store lines this year and head straight to a few of our favorite specialty shops and wine tasting rooms. Their friendly staff will help you put together the most delectable charcuterie boards and wine parings for your holiday gathering. Visit The Cheese Shop, Carmel Honey Company, Blair Estate Wines, Hahn Family Wines and Wrath Winery all located in the courtyard of Carmel Plaza. The best part, you can even do a little tasting while you shop!

Visit Carmel Honey Company in the courtyard of Carmel Plaza for local honey

Honey Tasting at Carmel Honey Company

You can even taste the wine before you buy

3. Hostess Gifts and Party Favors

These cocktail napkins are available at Sur La Table; located in the courtyard of Carmel Plaza

Not hosting this year but still attending? Bring your host a bottle of local wine, from one of our tasting rooms, in one of the adorable bags, pictured below, from Beachwood Home. Another fun idea for your host, or even for your guest as a party favor, is a special ornament or candle. Several of the Carmel Plaza shops have great gift ideas including Beachwood Home, Sur La Table and Anthropologie.

These ornaments are available at Beachwood Home; located on the 2nd level of Carmel Plaza

These wine bags are available at Beachwood Home; located on the 2nd level of Carmel Plaza

We hope to see you at Carmel Plaza soon.

Happy Holidays!

Some would say this is the best time of year for fashion. Whether it’s boots and sweater weather you adore or the beautiful jackets you layer this time of year. There really is something to love about fashion in the fall and winter seasons.

To make sure you are ready for the cooler temperatures visit Carmel Plaza in Carmel-By-The-Sea for all the latest in fashion and accessory trends.

Both nationally known stores and local boutiques make up Carmel Plaza’s fashion, shoes and accessories selection of over 10 stores such as: Madrigal, Mark Fenwick, Khakis Men Clothier and Vineyard Vines.

Below are 5 Fall Fashion Must-Haves you can find at Carmel Plaza:

1. Leather

Image By Scully Leather, available at Parts Unknown. Located on the 2nd level of Carmel Plaza.

A leather jacket is a timeless wardrobe staple. Wear it during the day or into the evening; dress it up or down; this piece is versatile, chic and definitely a must-have.

2. Weather-Ready Boots

Image by Cole Haan. Located on the 2nd level of Carmel Plaza.

It’s inevitable that there will be rainy days in our future and maybe even snowy. Tackle the unavoidable weather in style and comfort with a pair (or two) of stylish weather-ready boots.

3. Fall Florals

Image by @JessannKirby. Wearing Anthropologie. Located on the 2nd level of Carmel Plaza.

That’s right… don’t be so quick to push the floral prints to the side. This fun loving print is stylish year round.

4. Shearling

Image by Kate Spade NY. Located right off of Ocean Ave. in Carmel Plaza.

Whether shearling is worked into your accessories or the main piece of your look it’s just too cozy to resist this time of year.

5. Cashmere

Image by Roller Rabbit. Located on 2nd Level of Carmel Plaza.

Need we say more? Okay, we will… cashmere makes comfort and fashionable in one piece a reality and this time of year what more are you looking for?

There you have it, 5 fashion must-haves for the upcoming cooler months. We hope to see you at Carmel Plaza soon.

1) I. Brand & Family 2015 Cabernet Franc + Peppered Cacciota

2) Joyce Submarine Canyon 2016 Pinot Noir + Schoch Dairy’s East of Edam

From Russel Joyce, “this Pinot showcases vibrant fruit sourced entirely from Monterey County. Fresh bing cherry and silky acidity make this wine dangerously lovable.”

We recommend pairing this Monterey County Pinot with a Monterey County cheese, Schoch Dairy’s East of Edam, a raw cows’ milk cheese, inspired by the Dutch Edam.

3) Mesa Del Sol 2013 Sangiovese + Aged Boschetto

This classic Tuscan variety has shown itself to be well adapted to the soils of Arroyo Seco. Juicy, red berry fruit, bright acid, and firm tannins make this wine a great pairing with any meal.

4) Seabold 2015 Monterey Chardonnay + Ossau Iraty Istara

From Master Sommelier Chris Miller, “this chardonnay showcases the crisp green apple, stone fruit, and tropical notes typical of Monterey County, while a light touch of oak imparts just the right amount of richness and elegance without overwhelming the fruit.”

5) Caraccioli Cellars 2012 Brut Rose + Piave Vecchio

This sparkling wine, a favorite domestic sparkling selection for many, was first produced with the help of Michel Sargues, who came from Champagne with the dream of making sparkling wine with Monterey County fruit.

We recommend pairing a glass of this sparkly with Piave Vecchio, a pasteurized cows’ milk cheese from Veneto, Italy. Aged for one year this cheese has a pleasant mellow nuttiness, balanced with a hint of fresh citrus on the finish.

Thank you for visiting our blog. A lot has changed since this post was published in 2018. For a current list of Carmel Plaza restaurants please visit our directory.

Nestled in the heart of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Plaza is home to one-of-a-kind fashion finds and specialty national brands, gourmet shops, wine tasting rooms and four, soon to be five, distinct restaurants ranging from casual American dining to French cuisine enjoyed by candlelight in the evening.

Amongst Carmel Plaza’s restaurant selections are a few dishes considered by many to be local favorites. During your next visit to Carmel Plaza be sure to stop into one (or all) of our restaurant locations to enjoy the following popular dishes; whether it be breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert we have what you’re craving.

400 Degrees

Sun – Thu: 11:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

400° Gourmet Burgers & Fries features mouthwatering handcrafted burgers and fries using only the best ingredients and cooked to perfection on a custom cast iron griddle.

The Wagyu Burger: Hand formed Wagyu patty, cheddar cheese, peppered bacon, griddled mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, pickles, crispy onions.

Black & White Milkshake: Vanilla Ice Cream & Chocolate Sauce.

Carmel Coffee & Cocoa Bar

Mon – Sun: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Featuring specialty coffee drinks and a variety of teas, pastries, sandwiches, garden fresh salads and ramen noodle bowls.

Sit inside, or outside and enjoy your refreshments on the sun filled patio in front of the coffee shop.

Salmon Bagel: Honey roasted smoked salmon on your choice of multi-seed, sesame, or plain bagel with cream cheese, tomato, red onions, capers and avocado.

Breakfast Sushi (Signature Dish): A seasoned mix of brown and white rice, bacon, ham, egg and avocado wrapped in seaweed.

Flying Fish Grill

5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Daily

Enter from the Carmel Plaza Mission Street entrance (between Ocean and 7^th Ave.) and through the discreet door leading you to comfortably dim lighting, wood walls, and subtle Asian decor.

Diners are delighted by their distinctive offerings, ranging from salmon to lobster to abalone! Not to mention our delicious traditional clay pot dishes, bursting with noodles, broth & your choice of seafood, beef or vegetables.

Yin Yan Salmon: Oven roasted, sesame seed crusted, soy- lime cream sauce, angel hair pasta, flying fish roe garnish.

Almond Seabass: Almond crusted sea bass, pan- fried, whipped potatoes, chinese cabbage & rock shrimp stir – fry.

Patisserie Boisseire

Lunch: Daily 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Dinner: Wed – Sun 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Brunch: Sat – Sun 11:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m.

Fifty years ago, Elaine and Pierre Boissiere established their eponymous restaurant at its current location, years before Carmel Plaza shopping center was built around it.

They sought to offer the city of Carmel-by-the-Sea a relaxing and comforting venue modeled after a European chateau; where tables are thoughtfully spaced and fresh flowers, a fireplace, candles and soothing musical notes are an integral part of the dining experience.

Sautéed Prawns (available for lunch and dinner): Served over angel hair pasta with fresh tomatoes, leeks, artichokes and a light lemon-chive seafood cream sauce.

Beef Bourguignon (dinner only): Oven braised with pearl onions, fresh herbs, garlic, bacon, tomatoes and white wine; served with fresh steamed vegetables and au gratin potatoes.

COMING SOON: Yeast of Eden, Carmel Plaza’s soon to be fifth dining selection. To read more about Alvarado Street Brewery’s latest venture coming soon to Carmel Plaza CLICK HERE!

We hope to see you for breakfast, lunch and dinner very soon!

This weekend is all about Dad and one stop to Carmel Plaza is all you need to help make it special. Below are 6 gift ideas that will make Dad smile!

1. BBQ Necessities

Image by Sur La Table. Located on courtyard level of Carmel Plaza.

Now that it’s summer vacation Dad will be on grilling duty quite a bit; might as well make it fun and simple for him with all the best gadgets on the market. Head to Sur La Table for all your summer barbecuing needs and wants… or should we say Dad’s needs and wants?

2. A Fashionable Tie

Image by Khakis Men Clothier. Located off of Ocean Ave. in Carmel Plaza.

A tie is a classic gift for Dad. Visit Khakis Men Clothier for a vast variety of styles and colors fit for all occasions and all types of dads. Why stop at a tie? While you are there have Jim style a whole look to add to Dad’s wardrobe.

3. Carmel Plaza Gift Card

For purchase at Khakis Men Clothier off of Ocean Ave. in Carmel Plaza.

Let Dad chose his own gift this year by gifting him a Carmel Plaza Gift Card that can be used at any of our shops, restaurants and tasting rooms.

4. A Stylish Sports Coat

Image by Peter Millar Collection available at Madrigal. Located on courtyard level of Carmel Plaza.

For the Dad who goes from the office into the weekend, always in style, you cannot go wrong when shopping at Madrigal.

5. An Attractive Leather Jacket

Image by Scully available at Parts Unknown. Located on the 2nd level of Carmel Plaza.

Is your dad super cool? We thought so. Visit Parts Unknown for a timeless leather jacket Dad won’t want to take off.

6. A Sophisticated Briefcase… and maybe even a pair of shoes!

Image by Cole Haan. Located on the 2nd level of Carmel Plaza.

Cole Haan has the perfect gift for the dad who travels for work. Or, maybe for the dad who makes everyone a little envious of his remarkable office style.

Well, what are you waiting for? Head to Carmel Plaza today!

Mother’s Day is right around the corner. We’re talking less than 5 days to get Mom a gift. For all of us last minute shoppers, keep it simple yet still super special for Mom, visit Carmel Plaza for all your Mother’s Day gift needs.

Below are 5 gift ideas that you can get during one visit to Carmel Plaza:

1. Skincare on the Go!

Image by L’Occitane en Provence. Located on the 2nd level of Carmel Plaza. 

The mini sized hand creams, shampoos, shower gels and body lotions from L’Occitane en Provence are perfect for the Mom who loves to travel.

2. The Perfect Scent!

Available at Cos Bar. Located on the 2nd level of Carmel Plaza.

If Jo Malone London is not on Mom’s list of favorites already rftit will be after you gift her one of their beautiful bottles. Have some fun and mix a couple of the new spring scents.

3. Something Tasty!

Available at Carmel Honey Company. Located on courtyard level of Carmel Plaza.

This natural and sweet gift idea is perfect for all the tea-drinking Moms out there. Plus, it is local… and delicious.

4. Something That Sparkles!

Swarovski Crystal Jewelry is available at Impressions Fine & Fashion Jewelry. Located on courtyard level of Carmel Plaza.

Mom is sure to feel special when she opens up something sparkly from Impressions Fine & Fashion Jewelry. They have a wide selection of beautiful jewelry in all styles.

5. Carmel Plaza Gift Card

For purchase at Khakis Men Clothier in Carmel Plaza. Located on Ocean Ave. 

Don’t know what Mom wants this year? No problem. The Carmel Plaza gift card can be used at any of our shops, restaurants and tasting rooms. You cannot go wrong with letting Mom pick out her own gift.

We could go on with thebut since there are only 5 days left to shop there is no time to keep reading… head to Carmel Plaza now to pick something out for Mom.